5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Car accident can happen at any time but during the winter months, poor conditions can increase the number of hazards on the road. As a result, more people sustain injuries due to road traffic accidents in the wintertime. Being careful when you’re behind the wheel can help to keep you safe but, unfortunately, you can’t always predict how other road users will behave. 

Whether you’re setting off on a long trip or using your vehicle for your daily commute, it’s vital to know how to deal with an accident. To learn more now, take a look at these five steps to take after a car accident:

1. Seek Emergency Help

If you or someone else requires urgent medical assistance, you need to call 911. Similarly, if any vehicles are in a precarious position due to the collision, contact 911 so that police can be dispatched to the scene of the accident. 

2. Notify the Police

Even if the collision doesn’t constitute a serious emergency, you may still need to notify the police. Every state has different rules regarding what type of incidents need to be reported, so make sure you’re aware of the regulations that govern the area. This is particularly important if you’re on a road trip or driving out of state, so do your research before you set off and ensure you’re familiar with the rules that will govern your journey. 

3. Exchange Details

If you’re involved in a collision, you need to exchange information with the other road users involved. This includes your name and contact details, as well as your insurance information, license plate number, and your driver’s license number. Remember – more than one vehicle may have contributed to the incident, even if it wasn’t involved in the subsequent collision. If so, ask the driver to exchange their information too, so that they can be contacted at a later day if it’s necessary to do so. 

4. Obtain Medical Treatment

Even if you don’t require medical treatment at the scene of the incident, it’s still important to get checked out at a medical clinic or ER. Some common car accident injuries, such as whiplash, aren’t always apparent straight away, so you’ll need to consult a doctor to determine exactly what injuries you’ve experienced and find out whether you require any treatment.  

5. Get Legal Advice

Car accidents often give rise to compensation claims, which is why it’s important to get legal advice as quickly as possible. With help from an experienced Chicago lawyer at Romanucci & Blandin, you can protect your own liability and discover whether you’re eligible to make a claim for compensation. The financial impact of an unexpected accident can be significant but taking legal action will help to ensure that you don’t suffer financially because of an incident that wasn’t your fault. 

Recovering From a Car Accident

A car accident can leave you feeling shaken, even if you didn’t sustain serious or life-threatening injuries. Due to this, it’s important to take extra care of yourself in the days and weeks following the incident and access any help you need.